With Lightfair coming up May 8-10 in Chicago, the editorial team at EC&M has lighting on the brain a little more than usual. As one of our main areas of content coverage, we regularly feature articles on lighting and control in most issues of the magazine as well as exclusives online. However, this month we took a more laser-focused approach in honor of our lighting-themed April issue, which will be distributed at the upcoming Lightfair Show.
Speaking of lighting on the brain... after reading this month’s cover story as well as some of the research behind it, I admit I’m intrigued by the topic of human-centric lighting or HCL. As a person who wakes up multiple times a night and is easily disturbed by the slightest noise or flash of light when trying to sleep — a trait that continually annoys my husband and two teenagers to no end — I’ve always chalked this sensitivity up to my semi-OCD nature or borderline control freak tendencies. These are typical tendencies most editors on the planet possess, right? But maybe there’s something more to it than that.
As Freelance Writer Tom Zind points out in the cover story, starting on page 18, a growing body of research on blue light, whether delivered naturally (via the sun) or artificially (via luminaires), suggests that it affects a human’s biological clock and circadian rhythms, therefore directly influencing people’s sleep patterns, alertness, mood, health, and well-being — and the concept is catching on.
For the third year in a row, in addition to the Smart Cities Forum, Lightfair International is hosting The Light & Health Forum, which will explore the non-visual effects of light not only on humans, but also on plants and wildlife. According to conference materials, “current knowledge of the impact of light on biological health and overall well-being will be addressed with more detailed exploration into some of the new metrics and design guidelines that are shaping circadian lighting applications.” Both events, which will take place on Wednesday, May 9, offer six sessions (available as a package or à la carte) revolving around these topics.
After diving into the HCL topic more deeply, Zind reveals there’s a lot more behind the HCL trend than initially meets the eye. As fast as HCL has become a buzzword over the last several years, it seems there’s still anything but industry consensus surrounding it — that includes an unequivocal definition of what it really is, how to best design with it, and even whether the lighting industry should be promoting its widespread deployment. Take a look at this special report, which presents both sides of the HCL debate, and see which side of the blue light fence you sit on. I’m not sure exactly where I stand — or sit — just yet. Then drop me an email at [email protected]. I’m interested in all kinds of expert industry feedback on this issue — and any other topics you’re passionate about for that matter — for use in future editorial assignments.
And don’t miss our wide selection of additional lighting-related topics in this issue, including how power quality disturbances affect industrial and commercial LED lighting applications, working toward the WELL v1 Building Standard, new considerations in emergency lighting, rebate trends for lighting products this year, and design tips for warehouse lighting.
As always, EC&M will be well represented at Lightfair, where a small but mighty editorial team will be combing the aisles for new products and trends in the field of lighting and control. Hope to see you there!
